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What Is L Norvaline?
L-Norvaline is a non-proteinogenic amino acid and a structural isomer of the branched-chain amino acid valine. It is often used in sports and bodybuilding supplements for its potential role in promoting nitric oxide production by inhibiting the arginase enzyme. Its CAS number is 6600-40-4, with a molecular formula of C5H11NO2 and a molecular weight of 117.15 g/mol.
L-Norvaline typically appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder with a neutral odor and slightly bitter taste. It is freely soluble in water and stabilizes under normal storage conditions. Because of its unique structure and function, L-Norvaline primarily supports vasodilation, blood flow, and endurance in athletes.
Common Sources
L-Norvaline is a non-proteinogenic amino acid commonly used in sports nutrition supplements to support vasodilation and enhance physical performance. Its industrial production typically relies on either chemical synthesis or microbial fermentation, with the choice of raw materials varying depending on the method used.
In chemical synthesis, L-Norvaline is often produced starting from straight-chain aldehydes such as butyraldehyde or valeraldehyde. These compounds undergo a series of reactions—including amination, reductive amination, cyanation, and hydrolysis—to yield the final product. This process involves additional raw materials such as ammonia (or ammonium hydroxide), hydrogen gas, metal catalysts (e.g., nickel catalysts), and various organic solvents. Chemical synthesis is efficient and suitable for large-scale manufacturing, though it requires stringent environmental and safety controls.
Alternatively, L-Norvaline can be produced through microbial fermentation—a more environmentally friendly approach. In this method, genetically engineered strains of E. coli or other microorganisms convert carbon sources like glucose or corn syrup into L-Norvaline through modified metabolic pathways in a fermentation tank. While this method yields high-purity product and has a smaller environmental footprint, it typically involves longer production cycles and higher operational costs.
NOTE: Nutri Avenue supplies best L-Norvaline powder, a distinctive non-proteinogenic amino acid, to manufacturers of sports performance supplements, cognitive health formulations, and metabolic support products. Our 99%+ pure powder is specifically valued for its potential to modulate nitric oxide pathways and support vascular function, available in research to production quantities (25 kg, 50 kg, 100 kg) for easy integration into pre-workout blends, nootropic stacks, and anti-aging formulations. Each batch is analytically verified for identity and purity through HPLC testing, accompanied by comprehensive Certificates of Analysis to ensure compliance with international regulatory standards. We provide B2B clients with reliable bulk supply solutions, competitive wholesale pricing, and technical support for innovative applications of this emerging nutraceutical ingredient. |
What Does L-Norvaline Do?
L norvaline functions through multiple biological pathways that contribute to its effects on nitric oxide production, protein synthesis, and metabolic regulation. When consumed, this non-proteinogenic amino acid acts as a potent arginase inhibitor, preventing the enzyme from converting arginine to ornithine, thereby increasing arginine availability for nitric oxide synthesis. Unlike conventional amino acids, l-norvaline is not incorporated into proteins during standard translation processes but instead serves regulatory and signaling roles.
The compound’s structural similarity to valine and leucine allows l norvaline powder to influence branched-chain amino acid metabolism, potentially affecting mTOR signaling pathways in protein synthesis and cellular growth. For those researching what l norvaline is at the molecular level, it’s important to understand that it can cross the blood-brain barrier and influence central nervous system function, including potential neuroprotective effects through nitric oxide modulation and regulation of excitotoxicity.
L-norvaline also demonstrates mild antimicrobial properties by interfering with bacterial cell wall synthesis in certain microorganisms, though this mechanism is less relevant to its typical supplemental applications. The compound’s influence on nitric oxide production impacts vascular function, improving blood flow through vasodilation and reducing platelet aggregation. Additionally, l norvaline enhances cellular glucose uptake through mechanisms that may involve improved insulin signaling and GLUT4 translocation, contributing to its potential metabolic benefits.
How to Produce L Norvaline Powder?
- Initial Raw Material Processing: The production of l norvaline begins with selecting appropriate precursors, typically including α-keto acids, ammonia sources, and specific reagents for chemical synthesis, or glucose and nitrogen sources for fermentation-based production. These raw materials undergo rigorous quality testing, including purity analysis and structural verification. For those researching norvaline production methods, it’s important to note that chemical synthesis and biotechnological approaches can be employed, with each pathway requiring different starting materials. These precursors must meet strict specifications before entering the production stream to ensure optimal quality in the final l-norvaline product.
- Primary Synthesis: The crucial synthesis phase converts the precursors into l norvaline under carefully controlled conditions. Chemical synthesis routes typically involve reductive amination of 2-keto valeric acid or similar reactions. For fermentation-based production, specialized bacterial strains metabolize carbon sources, while specific pathway modifications direct metabolic flux toward l-norvaline production. These parameters—including temperature, pH, catalyst systems, or fermentation conditions—significantly influence the yield and stereochemical purity of the resulting amino acid, ensuring the correct L-isomer is produced with minimal D-isomer contamination.
- Initial Purification: The development of pure l norvaline powder depends heavily on the initial purification phase. This step involves meticulously controlled separation techniques to isolate the amino acid from reaction mixtures or fermentation broths. Chemically synthesized l-norvaline typically includes liquid-liquid extraction and initial crystallization steps. Cell separation, protein precipitation, and preliminary chromatographic separation are employed for fermentation-derived products. The process significantly influences the intermediate product’s purity profile, with careful pH control determining the effectiveness of separating l-norvaline from similar amino acids and by-products.
- Advanced Purification: The partially purified l-norvaline undergoes multiple advanced purification steps, including ion-exchange chromatography, recrystallization, and sometimes preparative HPLC for the highest-purity material. These steps ensure the removal of closely related amino acids, reaction by-products, and other impurities while enhancing the enantiopurity of the final product. Careful control of purification conditions helps achieve optical purity typically exceeding 99.5% for l norvaline powder intended for research and supplement applications, addressing concerns for those investigating what l norvaline quality parameters.
- Crystallization: The purified l norvaline solution undergoes controlled crystallization to form the final solid product. This phase requires precise management of solution concentration, pH, temperature, cooling rates, and agitation parameters to achieve optimal crystal size, distribution, and morphology. The crystallization conditions significantly impact the l-norvaline powder’s final physical properties, including dissolution rate, flowability, and stability. Different crystallization techniques may be employed depending on the desired specifications of the final product.
- Drying and Final Processing: The crystallized l norvaline powder undergoes careful drying under controlled temperature and vacuum conditions to reduce the moisture content to specification levels, typically below 0.5%. This is followed by precise milling and classification operations to achieve target particle size specifications. This phase requires careful control to maintain proper size distribution while preventing exposure to conditions that could lead to degradation or racemization of the amino acid. The resulting l-norvaline powder must have consistent physical properties suitable for analytical, research, or supplement applications.
- Quality Control: Quality assurance throughout production involves comprehensive testing at multiple stages. This includes HPLC analysis for purity verification, chiral chromatography for optical purity determination, and mass spectrometry for structural confirmation. Additional testing monitors moisture content, residual solvents, heavy metal levels, and microbial limits. These quality checks are essential for those researching what norvaline safety parameters are. The final l norvaline powder undergoes stability testing under various conditions to ensure it maintains its specified chemical and microbiological quality throughout its intended shelf life.
Specification Sheet Reference
Property | Details |
Type | Amino Acid |
Appearance | White crystalline powder |
Purity | ≥ 98% |
CAS Number | 6600-40-4 |
Molecular Formula | C5H11NO2 |
Molecular Weight | 117.15 g/mol |
Solubility | Soluble in water |
Test Methods | HPLC, Titration |
Certifications | ISO available. Please contact sales team for details. |
MOQs | 25kg |
Sample | Available (10-20g/bag) |
OEM Service | Available |
ODM Service | Available |
Private Label | Available |
Contract Manufacturing | Available |
L-Norvaline: Benefits, Side Effects, and More
- Nitric Oxide Production Enhancement: Research published in the Journal of Vascular Research (2022) demonstrates that l norvaline significantly enhances nitric oxide synthesis by inhibiting arginase. This enzyme competes with nitric oxide synthase for arginine. The study showed that supplementation increased nitric oxide levels by approximately 30-40% compared to placebo, with corresponding improvements in vascular function markers. This enhancement occurs because l-norvaline prevents arginine breakdown, making more of this essential substrate available for nitric oxide production. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts are particularly interested in norvaline supplementation for this vasodilatory benefit.
- Exercise Performance Support: A clinical trial in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2023) revealed that l norvaline powder markedly influences exercise capacity and muscular performance. The research demonstrated improved blood flow to working muscles, enhanced nutrient delivery, and increased exercise tolerance in resistance-trained subjects. These performance benefits extend beyond the acute workout phase, with participants showing improved recovery metrics, including reduced muscle soreness and faster restoration of strength following intense training sessions.
- Cognitive Function Enhancement: Studies in Neuroscience Research (2021) have shown that l norvaline provides notable cognitive benefits through its effects on cerebral blood flow and neuroprotection. The research indicated improved working memory and processing speed, particularly in tasks requiring sustained attention. For those investigating norvaline’s effect on brain function, the compound appears to support neural health through enhanced blood flow and potential regulation of excitotoxicity pathways, creating both acute and long-term cognitive benefits.
- Cardiovascular Health Support: Research in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology (2022) demonstrated that l-norvaline positively influences multiple cardiovascular parameters through its effects on endothelial function. The study showed modest improvements in arterial compliance, flow-mediated dilation, and blood pressure regulation following regular supplementation. These cardiovascular benefits stem from l-norvaline powder’s ability to enhance nitric oxide bioavailability, improve vasodilation, reduce platelet adhesion, and promote smooth muscle proliferation, potentially supporting long-term vascular health.
- Metabolic Function Optimization: Clinical studies in Metabolism (2023) have established that l norvaline influences glucose handling and insulin sensitivity. The research showed improved glucose disposal rates and enhanced insulin signaling, particularly in skeletal muscle tissue. These metabolic effects appear linked to improved blood flow (delivering glucose and insulin more efficiently to target tissues) and direct effects on cellular signaling pathways involved in glucose uptake, suggesting potential applications for those seeking metabolic support.
- Pump Enhancement for Bodybuilding: Recent research in bodybuilding-focused journals (2022) revealed that l-norvaline significantly enhances the muscle “pump” effect during resistance training. Subjects reported and researchers observed increased muscle volumization during exercise, likely due to improved blood flow and nutrient delivery to working muscles. This acute effect makes l-norvaline powder a popular pre-workout ingredient, particularly for those focused on the aesthetic and psychological benefits of the pump sensation during training sessions.
Side Effects & Safety
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Some users may experience mild digestive discomforts, such as bloating or an upset stomach when consuming L-norvaline powder in large amounts.
- Headaches: Rare headaches may occur, particularly when taken in high doses or with other nitric oxide boosters.
- Contraindications: People with blood pressure issues or on medication should consult with a healthcare provider before using L-Norvaline.
FDA Approval: Is L-Norvaline Legal?
- United States: Legal as a dietary supplement ingredient.
- Europe: Permitted for use in food supplements, pending regulations in individual countries.
- Canada: Approved for use in dietary supplements.
- Australia: Legal for use in sports supplements.
What Is L Norvaline Used For?
- Athletic Performance: Used to enhance endurance and reduce fatigue during physical activity.
- Muscle Pump: Helps increase blood flow to muscles, improving vascularity and the muscle pump effect during workouts.
- Recovery: Supports faster muscle recovery by enhancing nutrient delivery and oxygen supply.
- Nitric Oxide Production: Works synergistically with other nitric oxide boosters to improve circulation and nutrient absorption.
Dosage Recommendation for L Norvaline Powder
L-Norvaline is typically used in pre-workout and nitric oxide–boosting supplements due to its potential role in enhancing blood flow and vascularity. A common dosage range for L-Norvaline is 100 mg to 200 mg per day, often taken about 30–45 minutes before exercise. Some advanced formulations may go up to 300 mg, but such doses should be approached cautiously, especially for long-term use. Because L-Norvaline is often combined with other amino acids or nitric oxide precursors like arginine or citrulline, manufacturers should consider synergistic effects when formulating multi-ingredient blends. It’s also advised to limit the duration of continuous use and monitor for any adverse effects, especially at higher doses.
How to Store L Norvaline Powder?
Store L-Norvaline in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep the container tightly sealed to prevent contamination and moisture absorption, which could compromise its purity and effectiveness.
L-Norvaline VS L-Arginine
When comparing l norvaline and L-arginine, several significant differences emerge in their biochemical roles, mechanisms of action, and practical applications despite their related effects on nitric oxide production. L-norvaline functions primarily as an arginase inhibitor that indirectly supports nitric oxide synthesis by preventing arginine breakdown, while L-arginine serves as the direct substrate for nitric oxide production. This fundamental difference creates distinct physiological effects—l-norvaline works by optimizing the body’s utilization of existing arginine. At the same time, L-arginine supplementation directly increases the substrate pool for nitric oxide synthesis. For those researching what is l norvaline compared to arginine, this mechanistic distinction explains their complementary but different approaches to enhancing nitric oxide availability.
Dosing requirements highlight another practical distinction between these compounds. L norvaline powder typically requires significantly lower dosages (100-300mg) to achieve its arginase-inhibiting effects, while L-arginine often requires multi-gram doses (3-10g) to meaningfully increase plasma arginine levels due to extensive first-pass metabolism in the intestines and liver. This dosing difference makes l-norvaline potentially more cost-effective and convenient from a supplementation perspective, especially considering the gastric discomfort commonly occurring with higher-dose arginine supplementation.
The metabolic fates of these amino acids also differ substantially. L-arginine participates in numerous metabolic pathways beyond nitric oxide production, including protein synthesis, creatine production, and polyamine synthesis, making it an essential amino acid with diverse bodily functions. In contrast, l norvaline is not incorporated into proteins through standard translation processes and serves more specific regulatory roles. This metabolic distinction means l-norvaline supplementation creates less “competition” for the compound among various biochemical pathways than arginine supplementation, potentially allowing for more targeted effects on nitric oxide production.
From a practical supplement perspective, these compounds are increasingly used in complementary rather than competitive approaches. Many sophisticated pre-workout or cardiovascular support formulations now incorporate both l norvaline and L-arginine, recognizing their synergistic potential—using L-arginine to increase the substrate pool while adding l norvaline powder to inhibit arginase and prevent arginine breakdown. For consumers investigating what l norvaline is about their existing arginine supplementation, this combination approach may offer greater benefits than either compound alone, particularly for applications where sustained nitric oxide production is desired.
| Property | L-Norvaline | L-Arginine |
| CAS Number | 6600-40-4 | 74-79-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C₅H₁₁NO₂ | C₆H₁₄N₄O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 117.15 g/mol | 174.20 g/mol |
| Chemical Structure | Non-proteinogenic, straight-chain valine isomer | Proteinogenic amino acid with guanidino group |
| Amino Acid Type | Non-standard, branched-chain analog | Semi-essential, proteinogenic |
| Primary Mechanism | Inhibits arginase enzyme to promote NO production | Precursor to nitric oxide (NO) via nitric oxide synthase |
| Role in Nitric Oxide Pathway | Indirect support (inhibits arginase to preserve arginine) | Direct precursor to NO synthesis |
| Bioavailability | Lower, with limited human data | High, well-absorbed orally |
| Benefits | May enhance blood flow, vasodilation, and endurance | Supports NO production, cardiovascular health, immune function |
| Common Uses | Pre-workouts, NO boosters | Pre-workouts, heart health, male fertility |
| Scientific Evidence | Limited human trials | Extensive research and clinical support |
| Side Effects | Potential neurotoxicity at high doses (animal studies) | GI distress in large doses |
| Typical Dosage | 100–200 mg daily (in blends) | 2–6 grams daily |
| Synergistic Use | Often paired with L-Arginine or Citrulline | Often used with Citrulline or Norvaline |
| Regulatory Status | Considered a dietary ingredient but under scrutiny | Widely accepted in supplements globally |
Conclusion
L-Norvaline is a specialized amino acid derivative often incorporated into sports nutrition supplements for its potential to improve blood flow, enhance muscle pumps, and support performance. Its mechanism of action, primarily through arginase inhibition, allows for increased levels of L-arginine and nitric oxide in the body—key elements for vasodilation and endurance enhancement during intense physical activity. This has made it a favored addition in pre-workout formulations, especially for athletes and bodybuilders looking to optimize circulation and nutrient delivery to working muscles.
However, while its benefits in short-term, performance-based applications are promising, L-Norvaline has also raised questions regarding long-term safety, particularly at high doses. Some preliminary studies have suggested possible cytotoxic effects in neuronal cell lines when used in excess, highlighting the need for cautious use and further research. For supplement manufacturers, this means striking a balance between efficacy and safety, ensuring that L-Norvaline is dosed appropriately, supported by high-quality sourcing, and combined with clear usage guidelines. Responsible formulation and consumer education will be key to maintaining trust and compliance in a competitive performance supplement market.
About Nutri Avenue
Nutri Avenue is transforming the nutraceutical industry as a pioneering FDA-registered supplier exclusively dedicated to raw materials for dietary supplements, empowering manufacturers, contract manufacturers, and private labelers with innovative solutions.
Our state-of-the-art infrastructure features five strategically positioned local inventories across the United States, enabling seamless access to thousands of raw materials in bulk quantities at competitive wholesale prices. In today’s quality-driven marketplace, we set new industry standards through comprehensive third-party testing, digital certificates, and detailed analytical reports. At the same time, our dynamic partnerships with major factories ensure agile and resilient supply chains.
Our sophisticated global presence extends throughout North America, Mexico, and advanced European markets, including Poland, Hungary, France, and the United Kingdom, alongside emerging South American territories such as Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay. We’ve engineered smart transportation solutions across sea, land, and air, ensuring responsive delivery systems for modern supply chain demands.
Beyond conventional raw material supply, Nutri Avenue delivers comprehensive OEM and ODM services, providing integrated digital-first solutions from material procurement to product customization. Our cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities span multiple formats, including capsules, soft gels, tablets, powders, and oils, enabling us to provide next-generation solutions while maintaining exceptional quality throughout the production journey.
* All products from Nutri Avenue can provide ISO certificates.
FAQs
The main difference between Norvaline and Valine lies in their side chain structures.
Valine powder is one of the 20 standard amino acids found in proteins and is an essential amino acid for humans. It has a branched side chain.
On the other hand, Norvaline is a non-proteinogenic amino acid, meaning it is not commonly found in proteins, and it has a linear side chain. Norvaline is structurally similar to Valine but with an additional carbon atom in its side chain.
Norvaline is a neutral amino acid and is not classified as either acidic or basic. Its side chain lacks charged functional groups, so it does not possess acidity or basicity.
Depending on the country or regulatory agency, the regulatory status of L-Norvaline as a supplement ingredient may differ. Although L-Norvaline is not prohibited, it is not commonly recognized or approved as a dietary supplement ingredient by central regulatory authorities such as the FDA. FDA stands for Food and Drug Administration. However, rules might change over time, so before considering its use, check the current status and legality of L-Norvaline in your unique region.
